Hearts end chase for Walsall striker Elijah Adebayo

The Scottish Championship club had verbally agreed terms with the 23-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, after approaching Walsall about his availability.

The Saddlers are keen to keep hold of the forward, who has now taken his tally to 10 goals this season, and knocked back Hearts' approach.

Walsall have also recently been in discussions with Adebayo over a new deal to keep him at the Banks's Stadium, and they still hope to agree new terms with him.

Manager Darrell Clarke criticised Hearts for their conduct in contacting the player, prompting their boss Robbie Neilson to fire back. He also confirmed Adebayo was the club's number one target.

Walsall later released a statement insisting they had not agreed to sell the player to any club.

Despite Hearts hoping to sign him this month, or agree terms for him to join on a free transfer in the summer, they have now ended their pursuit of the player.

Instead, the Edinburgh club are set to sign French striker Armand Gnanduillet, according to the Edinburgh Evening News.

The 28-year-old, who is the same heigh as Adebayo at 6ft 4in, is a former Le Havre and Blackpool striker signing as a free agent.